How to get 4K and HDR when PS VR is connected to a PS4 Pro system

Different image resolutions depending on PS VR set up.

PS VR content

Your PS4 Pro is compatible with your PS VR headset and processor unit and with all PS VR content.

PS VR content isn’t released with HDR or 4K capabilities and your PS4 Pro doesn’t adapt PS VR content to 4K level. When you play PS VR content it will be standard PS VR definition.

Non-PS VR content (games and videos in cinematic mode)

PS VR content isn’t released with HDR or 4K capabilities, but other content is available with enhanced picture quality. See more information here.

When you play HDR or 4K content through your PlayStation VR headset, the picture quality is limited to the capabilities of the PS VR headset screen and the PS VR processor unit as follows:

Type of content

Screen on which it is being viewed

Highest possible definition*

PS VR content

PS VR headset

1080p and not HDR

TV

Non-PS VR content

PS VR headset

TV with PS VR connected to it with the headset ON

TV with PS VR connected to it with the headset OFF

2160p YUV420 and not HDR

TV with PU bypassed

2160p RGB and HDR

How to bypass the processor unit

If you want to play non-VR games in 4K without HDR you don’t need to bypass the PS VR headset and processor unit - just switch off the PS VR headset. If you want to play with HDR too, you’ll need to bypass the PS VR processor unit.

Disconnect the [PS4 > Processor Unit] HDMI cable from the back of the Processor Unit.

Connect the HDMI cable directly to the TV and change your HDMI channel to do this. Make sure that:

You are connecting the HDMI to the right input for 4K – check your TV manual to make sure.

You are using the correct type of HDMI cable to connect your PS4 Pro to your TV. It needs to be at least HDMI 1.4 (the HDMI provided with your PS4 Pro is the right type of cable).

You should now see the PS4 display on your TV.

Make sure your TV and PS4 Pro settings match the settings detailed in this article.